Information Technology

When tragedy strikes, so do scammers and other malicious actors. While searching for news and when looking for ways to help, please keep these cautions in mind.

Expect to receive email soliciting donations to aid the victims, or perhaps first responders. Even if you're familiar with the charity, don't contribute by clicking on links in emails; go directly to the charity's web site.

Avoid text-message scams in which texting to a certain number contributes to a charity. Again, go to the charity's web site to confirm the campaign.

When searching for news, go directly to sites such as www.nytimes.com, or use familiar, reputable search sites like news.google.com. Even reputable search services can offer links to malicious web sites, so as you consider your search results, click only on familiar sites.

If you receive email with one of these Subject lines, or similar, do not click on any links contained in the message. Clicking on the links in these messages infects your computer with malicious software by exploiting a Java vulnerability.

Update, April 19: A similar spam campaign is expoiting the Waco, TX fertilizer plant explosion.